User input - Query Box - Dialogue Box

[thebigkangaroo]

Hi everyone. Now I know my question is going to expose my very limited understanding of excel as I dont even know the correct term for what my question is based on I did know but bloody forgot the term).Please dont be too unkind. I was wondering why EXCEL 2010 does not have a command or function which alows me to compile a series of macro, have an option for a pause for "User Input" and depending on that input, execute other macros. I know this can be done in VBA but I am at the stage of wanting to establish a good foundation of knowledge about the functions before I get too far down the VBA track. In truth, I will be doing both at the same time as I have been advised by some very kind members of this forum just the other day. cheers
Darren

 

[RoryA]

Macros are VBA, so I'm not sure what you mean, but InputBox is the function you want in VBA.

 

[thebigkangaroo]

Hi rory, thanks for your reply. My understanding is that Macros automate functions and formulas, along with movement around the spread sheet. Macros are akin to an "applications Generator" which create the VBA code. Someone could learn every funtion and formula in Excel but still not be able to write a line of VBA...am I wrong???

 

[chuckles1066]

Someone could learn every funtion and formula in Excel but still not be able to write a line of VBA...am I wrong???

No, you're right.

I consider myself fairly proficient in Excel and yet, up until a few months ago, didn't have a clue about VBA.

Sure, having some programming background, when I looked at examples provided by the good people here I knew what "for a = 1 to lastrow, do this bit of code, next a" was all about (that's eons old) but other than that it all went over my head.

It helps if you have some experience of coding; select case, for example, was easy-peasy to me because I remember it from my Turbo Pascal for Dos days

If it gives you any encouragement, a few months ago I couldn't have written you a macro to populate cells a1:a100 with a given value.

Now, I'm writing macros that have userforms which dictate what actions the macro takes based on whether certain boxes are ticked etc..........I still need help (see my posting history) and I'll never aspire to the heights of many of the regulars here who are pure geniuses.....but I get by

 

[RoryA]

No, macros are vba, unless you are referring to the old xlm macro language that almost nobody uses anymore.

 

[xenou]

I was wondering why EXCEL 2010 does not have a command or function which alows me to compile a series of macro, have an option for a pause for "User Input" and depending on that input, execute other macros.

As far as I know, this isn't an option. I can't answer your question as to why it's not possible, but it's not - that is, if you mean doing this with wizards or recorded macros.

I recommend Walkenbach's Excel VBA Programming for Dummies as an excellent introduction to Excel VBA. What you are describing is quite simple programming in VBA - but you have to take the time to learn the basics or your work will suffer shortcomings and you won't develop the right kind of habits for creating good macro-enabled applications with Excel.

 

[thebigkangaroo]

Thanks for your responses. Good on ya Chuckles. It sounds like your achieved a lot and more importantly, I sounds like you are enjoying yourself. Xenou, thankyou, you have answered the question I was asking. Thanks Rory.

Do we have a pyschologist on the forum...I am really getting into this Excel stuff...I think I am becoming infatuated. I am lying in bed going over what I just learned, three nights ago, excel and this forum presented in an aspect of a dream I had...HELP!!! And I have not really started on straight VBA yet!!! I need to get a life and/or some serious counselling

 

[thebigkangaroo]

I have another question which I probably should raise in the open forum but this thread seems to have a wealth of knowledge. Has anyone come across a listing of the most popular/useful functions in Excel 2010?? I know it is an open question and there will be allot of "well it depends..." but I am sure there is a list somewhere which are considered "essential" to know.

cheers chaps